Motorists reminded to obey Move Over law

The New Brunswick RCMP is reminding motorists travelling the province's roadways that it is the law to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire fighting vehicles and ambulances.

The Move Over law came into effect a year ago this month and is intended to protect the emergency responders who provide help on our roadways.

"The safety of emergency responders when doing their work is fundamental to the safety of everyone they help on a daily basis," says S/Sgt. James Bates, of the New Brunswick RCMP Traffic Services Section. "If a police officer, paramedic or firefighter gets hurt while responding to a call, they aren't able to assist the person or people in need."

Motorists are urged to take extra precautions when winter weather affects driving conditions and the width of some roads.

"Situations become even more dangerous when roads are slippery, snowbanks are high, and some roads are narrowed due to snow accumulation," adds S/Sgt. Bates. "Some of our police officers have had close calls this winter because of motorists not obeying the Move Over law."

When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the road and has its flashing lights on, motorists must:

– Slow down and proceed with caution;

– Make sure it's safe to proceed, then move over to the left, away from the vehicle;

– If there are two or more lanes of traffic, the driver must move into another lane if it can be done safely.

When an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens, motorists travelling in both directions should pull over to the right side of the road and wait for the vehicle to pass safely.

The fine for not slowing down and moving over for an emergency vehicle is $292.50 and three demerit points.